Got thoughts on Irish Identity in NL?
Dr. Bronwen Walter of Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge, UK) will be visiting Memorial University and invites you to take part in a meeting where questions about the recognition of Irish heritage in Newfoundland can be raised, with particular emphasis on how this meets public needs and wishes.
When: Monday, October 24, 12:00-2:00
Where: The McCann Centre, Education Building, Memorial University
It is part of a wider project for which Dr. Walter has been awarded funding from the British Academy to explore the issue of Irish heritage in parts of the world where a major aspect has been Irish/English connections. Newfoundland is one of three locations with apparently very different experiences – the others are New Zealand and England itself.
Dr. Walter would like to explore these further, building on the wealth of existing research and asking new questions. Her research to date has focussed on Britain, and especially England, where she has been involved in both academic projects and policy-related areas (especially connected to emigrant welfare needs and anti-Irish discrimination).
The broad questions Dr. Walter would like to “brainstorm” with you include:
1. How far do Irish identities matter in Newfoundland today?
2. In what areas of life is this preference expressed?
3. What current provision is there – within and outside the community?
4. Is it a growing or declining demand?
5. Is it connected with particular religious affiliations?
6. How does it link with other ethnic backgrounds?
Dr. Walter will give a brief presentation of the project and its progress to date and would very much like to hear your thoughts about ways of exploring these ideas in the Newfoundland context.
If you know of anyone else who might be interested in attending this meeting, please feel free to forward this invitation to them. If you belong to an organization, please feel free to pass this invitation along to your members.
There is no cost to attend this event, but you are asked to register for catering purposes. To register, contact Amy Poole at the Harris Centre, at (709) 864-3143 or ahpoole@mun.ca.